What I love about my husband? His gentle kindness and loving accountability. I reached a point in the fall of 2010 that I couldn’t fit into over 3/4 of the clothes that I owned. Side story: we had just moved that spring and a friend who had helped us move made the comment while we were bringing in/hanging all my clothes in my new closet, “Melanie, I’ve never seen you wear half of these things!” Little did she know that it was because I had become lazy in taking care of myself (enjoying a few too many burgers, fried and cheesy things) and simply couldn’t fit into them anymore. Like most women, I keep everything thinking that one day I’d get around to wearing them again… So, frustrated with the disappointment in how I was looking and shocked at several pictures I had seen of myself, I signed up for Weight Watchers online. My wonderful husband has been patient with my insecurities and yet gentle in reminding me of my goals. I’ve often wanted to give up, but he has held strong to pushing me along.
I have been a dancer for the greater portion of my life. My degree in college is in dance, and I continued teaching ballet through my first couple of years of marriage. When that stopped, my body somehow rebelled. I’ve always been a curvy girl, but it’s amazing how cutting out that weekly activity magically increased those curves and even added on a few more… 25 pounds were lost in the first year (Sept. 2010 – Sept. 2011). I’ve remained pretty stagnant since last September, though. I think my body has resumed it’s “comfort weight” and so shedding any more will take even more work and focus. I have to accept the fact that I need more activity in my life, no matter how challenging it is to think about adding something else to my daily routine. So, I’ll start small and be intentional with the free time I do have. Tony and I got up a little earlier than normal (for my one day off of work/interning to use for studying) and went for a walk around our neighborhood. When we got back, I finished my little am activity with 30 minutes of yoga. It was still difficult to get myself motivated to get out of bed… but I have already felt more energized for the day and week ahead. Hopefully I’ll hang on to and remember this feeling to encourage myself to do the same tomorrow – even if it will have to be a little earlier so I can still make it into the office on time.
Although there is a particular weight that I’m shooting for, my ultimate goal is to reshape the way we live. I’m not looking at a diet, but a new way to eat that will be this way for the rest of my life. Smaller portions, more fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and one day a week splurge meals (with dessert)… Ultimately, how I take care of my body is how I show my Creator how thankful I am for the life I’ve been given. Take the practical (all the research on health) and take my experience (increased mood, energy and self-esteem) and add it to the spiritual element… and why wouldn’t I do all that I can to keep taking healthy steps forward? No matter how big or small they might be that day… I want to keep moving forward. AND, accountability is key. It’s so nice to have someone doing this with me. I couldn’t be more thankful for a husband who loves me enough to care about helping me make wise choices and pushes me to become the best version of myself.
Becoming 